Can Ozempic Cause Blindness? A Scientific Overview of the NAION Risk in 2025

Ozempic and Wegovy drug pack

Ozempic, a widely prescribed medication containing semaglutide, has transformed the management of type 2 diabetes and weight loss. However, emerging research has raised concerns about its potential link to non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare eye condition that can lead to sudden, often irreversible vision loss or blindness. 

This has sparked significant public and medical scrutiny, as well as legal action against Novo Nordisk, the drug’s manufacturer. This comprehensive, fact-filled article provides a scientific overview of whether Ozempic can cause blindness, detailing the evidence, mechanisms, health risks, and practical guidance for users, as of June 2025. 

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is an injectable prescription drug developed by Novo Nordisk, containing semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2017, Ozempic is indicated for:

  • Improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
  • Reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attack, stroke, or death) in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which stimulates insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying, and suppresses appetite, leading to its frequent off-label use for weight loss. A higher-dose version, Wegovy, was approved in June 2021 for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents with obesity or weight-related conditions. Despite its efficacy, Ozempic has been associated with serious side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, gallbladder disease, and, more recently, vision loss due to NAION.

Can Ozempic Cause Blindness?

Yes, scientific studies suggest that Ozempic (semaglutide) may be associated with an increased risk of a rare but serious eye condition called Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION), which can lead to sudden and often irreversible vision loss. NAION occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is compromised, resulting in nerve damage and vision impairment, typically in one eye but potentially affecting both. 

A 2024 study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that patients with type 2 diabetes taking semaglutide had a fourfold higher risk of developing NAION, while those using it for weight management faced a sevenfold increased risk compared to non-users. 

Although the exact biological mechanism is still under investigation, researchers believe semaglutide’s effect on blood vessels may contribute to reduced optic nerve perfusion in susceptible individuals. Despite this, the U.S. FDA has not yet issued a specific warning about blindness, though the European Medicines Agency has acknowledged the link as a very rare but serious potential side effect.

What is NAION?

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a rare but serious condition caused by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve, often described as a “stroke of the optic nerve.” It is the second most common cause of optic nerve-related vision loss after glaucoma, with an estimated incidence of 2–10 cases per 100,000 people annually, primarily affecting those over 50. Key features include:

  • Sudden Onset: Painless vision loss, typically in one eye, often noticed upon waking.
  • Symptoms: Blurred or distorted vision, visual field defects (e.g., dark spots, shadows, or loss of peripheral vision), and reduced contrast or light sensitivity.
  • Irreversibility: No effective treatment exists, and vision loss is usually permanent. About 15% of patients may develop NAION in the second eye within five years, potentially leading to bilateral blindness.
  • Risk Factors: Diabetes, hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea, and a small optic disc (“disc-at-risk”), which are common among Ozempic users.

NAION’s rarity and severe consequences make its potential association with Ozempic a critical concern, particularly for patients with pre-existing vascular risk factors.

Scientific Evidence Linking Ozempic to NAION

Several peer-reviewed studies have identified a statistically significant association between semaglutide use and an increased risk of NAION, though causation remains unproven. Below is a summary of key findings:

1. July 2024 Harvard Study (JAMA Ophthalmology)

  • Source: Sodhi, M., et al. (2024). Risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in patients prescribed semaglutide. JAMA Ophthalmology, 142(7), 732–739.
  • Design: Retrospective cohort study of 16,827 patients at Massachusetts Eye and Ear from December 2017 to November 2023.
  • Findings:
    • Patients with type 2 diabetes using semaglutide had a 4.28-fold increased risk of NAION (hazard ratio [HR] 4.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62–11.29) compared to those on non-GLP-1 diabetes medications (e.g., metformin, insulin).
    • Overweight or obese patients using semaglutide for weight loss faced a 7.64-fold higher risk (HR 7.64, 95% CI 2.21–26.36) compared to those on other weight loss drugs (e.g., bupropion-naltrexone).
    • Among 710 semaglutide users, 17 developed NAION, compared to 6 among 979 non-semaglutide users.
  • Limitations: Non-randomized design, potential confounding by diabetes severity, and reliance on a single institution’s data.

2. January 2025 Danish Study (medRxiv)

  • Source: Hathaway, J. R., & Rajpal, A. (2025). GLP-1 receptor agonists and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. medRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.01.16.24301327
  • Design: Population-based cohort study of 60,000 type 2 diabetes patients in Denmark from 2018 to 2024.
  • Findings:
    • Semaglutide users had a 2.1-fold increased risk of NAION (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.4) compared to users of other diabetes therapies.
    • A notable increase in NAION cases was observed after Ozempic’s 2018 launch in Denmark.
    • Women and patients with hypertension showed higher susceptibility.
  • Limitations: Observational data, potential underreporting of NAION cases, and lack of adjustment for optic disc anatomy.

3. December 2024 Study (International Journal of Retina and Vitreous)

  • Source: Not explicitly named in provided data but referenced in legal and news sources.
  • Design: Cohort study of 37 million U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes from 2018 to 2024.
  • Findings:
    • Semaglutide users had a 32% increased relative risk of NAION (14.5 per 100,000 person-years vs. 11.0 for controls, HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.08–1.61).
    • Risk was higher in patients with concurrent hypertension or obesity.
  • Limitations: Retrospective design, potential for unmeasured confounders, and reliance on administrative data.

4. June 2020 Study (Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science)

  • Source: Referenced in legal filings and news reports.
  • Design: Analysis of adverse events from Ozempic clinical trials.
  • Findings:
    • Reported 142 vision-related adverse events, including optic nerve disorders and blurred vision, suggesting early signals of ocular risks not included in labeling.
  • Limitations: Limited public access to trial data, lack of specificity on NAION.

Key Takeaways

These studies indicate a significant association between semaglutide and NAION, with risk increases ranging from 32% to over sevenfold, particularly in weight loss patients. However, the studies are observational, not randomized controlled trials, and causation is not definitively established. The higher baseline NAION risk in diabetic and obese patients complicates attribution, as these conditions are independent risk factors.

Proposed Mechanisms for Ozempic-Induced NAION

While the exact mechanism linking semaglutide to NAION is not fully understood, researchers propose several hypotheses:

  • Vascular Disruption: Semaglutide’s effects on blood pressure, lipid metabolism, or vascular dynamics may reduce optic nerve blood flow, particularly in patients with microvascular complications from diabetes or obesity.
  • Rapid Glycemic Changes: Sudden blood sugar reductions can alter intraocular pressure or affect retinal and optic nerve vasculature, potentially triggering ischemic events in susceptible individuals.
  • Inflammatory or Metabolic Effects: GLP-1 agonists may induce systemic changes (e.g., inflammation or dehydration) that indirectly compromise optic nerve perfusion.
  • Optic Disc Vulnerability: Patients with a “disc-at-risk” (small, crowded optic disc) may be more susceptible to NAION when exposed to semaglutide’s systemic effects.

Further research, including randomized trials and mechanistic studies, is needed to confirm these pathways.

Regulatory and Manufacturer Responses

Novo Nordisk’s Position

Novo Nordisk maintains that NAION is not an established side effect of Ozempic or Wegovy. The company cites:

  • Study Limitations: Observational studies lack randomization, and baseline NAION risks in diabetic/obese patients may confound results.
  • Internal Safety Data: Novo Nordisk’s pharmacovigilance reviews found no causal link between semaglutide and NAION.
  • Labeling: Current Ozempic and Wegovy labels warn of “changes in vision” (e.g., blurred vision due to blood sugar fluctuations) but do not specifically mention NAION.

Regulatory Actions

  • FDA: As of June 2025, the FDA has not mandated a NAION-specific warning on Ozempic or Wegovy labels but is actively monitoring adverse event reports through its FAERS database. In 2024, the FDA received over 100 NAION-related reports linked to semaglutide, though this represents a small fraction of the estimated 9 million U.S. prescriptions.
  • European Medicines Agency (EMA): On January 17, 2025, the EMA launched a safety review of semaglutide following the Danish study’s findings, with results expected later in 2025. This could lead to updated labeling or restrictions in Europe, potentially influencing U.S. policy.
  • Health Canada and Other Agencies: Similar reviews are underway in Canada and Australia, reflecting global concern.

The absence of a NAION warning on labels is a central issue in lawsuits, as plaintiffs argue Novo Nordisk failed to disclose known risks from clinical trials and post-marketing data.

Health Risks and Symptoms to Monitor

Why NAION is a Critical Concern

NAION’s sudden, irreversible vision loss can profoundly impact quality of life, affecting activities like driving, working, or reading. Its potential link to Ozempic is alarming given the drug’s widespread use over 9 million prescriptions in the U.S. in 2024. Bilateral NAION, though rare (15% of cases), can result in total blindness, as reported in some legal cases. The elevated risk in diabetic and obese patients, who are Ozempic’s primary users, amplifies the urgency of monitoring.

Symptoms to Watch For

Patients using Ozempic or Wegovy should be vigilant for:

  • Sudden, painless vision loss in one eye, often upon waking.
  • Blurred or distorted vision.
  • Visual field defects, such as dark spots, shadows, or loss of peripheral vision.
  • Reduced contrast or light sensitivity.
  • Rarely, vision loss in both eyes.

These symptoms differ from diabetic retinopathy (gradual retinal damage) or transient blurred vision from glycemic changes, which are also noted in Ozempic’s labeling.

Immediate Actions

  • Seek Urgent Medical Care: Contact an ophthalmologist or visit an emergency department immediately for NAION evaluation (e.g., fundoscopy, optical coherence tomography, or visual field testing).
  • Document Symptoms: Record the onset, severity, and duration of vision changes, noting Ozempic dosage and usage dates.
  • Consult Your Prescriber: Discuss discontinuing Ozempic with your healthcare provider, weighing NAION risks against diabetes or cardiovascular benefits.
  • Preserve Records: Retain medical reports, prescriptions, and Ozempic packaging for potential legal or medical follow-up.

Legal Implications: Ozempic Blindness Lawsuits

Current Litigation Landscape

As of June 2025, lawsuits alleging NAION-related vision loss from Ozempic are increasing but remain separate from the GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Multidistrict Litigation (MDL 3094) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, which focuses on gastrointestinal injuries (e.g., gastroparesis, ileus). MDL 3094, overseen by Judge Karen S. Marston, includes 1,882 pending cases as of June 2, 2025, with a 20% increase in filings from August to September 2024. NAION lawsuits are primarily filed in New Jersey, where Novo Nordisk is headquartered, with potential for future consolidation into a multicounty litigation or MDL inclusion.

Plaintiffs allege:

  • Failure to Warn: Novo Nordisk knew or should have known about NAION risks from clinical trials, adverse event reports, and post-marketing data but failed to warn patients or physicians.
  • Negligence: Inadequate testing of semaglutide’s ocular safety.
  • Product Liability: Ozempic is defective due to undisclosed risks causing severe harm like blindness.

Notable Cases

  • Elizabeth Pennell (North Carolina, April 2025): Filed in New Jersey federal court, Pennell alleges Ozempic use from November 2023 to June 2024 caused NAION, resulting in blurred vision and left-eye vision loss. She claims Novo Nordisk concealed risks to promote Ozempic as a “magic pill” for weight loss.
  • Todd Engel (Maryland, April 2025): Filed in New Jersey Superior Court, Engel, 62, developed NAION four months after starting Ozempic in August 2023, becoming legally blind. He argues safer diabetes treatments were available.
  • Edward Fanelli (New Jersey, 2025): A 57-year-old contractor diagnosed with NAION eight months after starting Ozempic in October 2022, Fanelli lost his ability to work. He told Newsday, “If it was on the label, I definitely wouldn’t have taken it.”
  • Weitz & Luxenberg Case (March 2025): Filed in New Jersey Superior Court, this lawsuit involves a woman with bilateral NAION after Ozempic use, highlighting the rare but severe outcome of dual-eye blindness.

Legal Developments

  • New Jersey Multicounty Litigation: In 2025, 21 New Jersey plaintiffs requested consolidation of NAION lawsuits to streamline discovery and ensure consistent rulings, similar to the MDL structure.
  • MDL Exclusion: On January 9, 2025, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation declined to include NAION claims in MDL 3094, citing distinct injury profiles, but plaintiffs’ attorneys are advocating for inclusion or a separate NAION MDL.
  • EMA Review: The EMA’s January 2025 investigation into semaglutide’s NAION risk may provide evidence for plaintiffs and prompt FDA label updates.
  • Case Management: Judge Marston’s March 18, 2025, conference introduced a “short-form” complaint to simplify MDL filings, potentially facilitating NAION case integration.

Potential Outcomes

  • Settlements: No NAION-specific settlements have been reported, but precedents like the $8.75 million Botanic Tonics settlement for kratom-related claims (2025) suggest high payouts are possible due to blindness’s severity.
  • Trials: Bellwether trials for gastroparesis cases in MDL 3094 are scheduled for 2026, which may set precedents for NAION claims.
  • Compensation: Damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages, with potential awards in the millions, as seen in comparable kratom wrongful death cases ($11 million, Florida, 2023).

How to File an Ozempic Blindness Lawsuit

If you’ve developed NAION or vision loss after using Ozempic, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Assess Eligibility

You may qualify if you:

  • Used Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus since January 2018.
  • Were diagnosed with NAION or experienced sudden vision loss within one year of use.
  • Have no prior history of NAION or unrelated optic nerve conditions.
  • Can demonstrate Novo Nordisk’s failure to warn about NAION risks.

Exclusions: Patients with gastric bypass, banding, sleeve surgery, or active cancer treatment may not qualify. Consult an attorney to confirm.

Step 2: Gather Evidence

Build a strong case with:

  • Medical Records: NAION diagnosis, ophthalmology reports (e.g., fundoscopy, visual field tests), or medical bills.
  • Prescription Evidence: Pharmacy receipts, doctor’s notes, or insurance claims proving Ozempic use.
  • Product Materials: Ozempic packaging, labels, or purchase confirmations.
  • Timeline: Detailed log of Ozempic use and vision loss onset.
  • Expert Testimony: Ophthalmologists or pharmacologists to establish causation.

Step 3: Hire a Specialized Attorney

Engage a law firm experienced in defective drug litigation, such as Georgia Wrongful Death Attorney P.C. and Wetherington Law Firm. These firms offer free case evaluations and work on contingency (no upfront fees; typically 30–40% of settlement). Ask about their NAION lawsuit experience and strategy for MDL or individual filings.

Step 4: File the Lawsuit

Your attorney will:

  • Choose Venue: File in state (e.g., New Jersey) or federal court based on jurisdiction.
  • Draft Complaint: Allege failure to warn, negligence, or product liability, seeking economic and non-economic damages.
  • Serve Defendants: Notify Novo Nordisk and subsidiaries.
  • Explore Consolidation: Join a potential MDL or multicounty litigation for efficiency.

Step 5: Navigate the Legal Process

  • Discovery: Exchange evidence, including Novo Nordisk’s clinical trial data and adverse event reports.
  • Settlement Negotiations: Many cases settle to avoid trials, potentially yielding significant compensation.
  • Trial: If unresolved, cases may proceed to trial, with outcomes shaping broader litigation.

Step 6: Understand Potential Compensation

Damages may cover:

  • Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost income, future care costs.
  • Non-Economic Damages: Pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of quality of life.
  • Punitive Damages: To penalize Novo Nordisk for alleged negligence, especially if intentional concealment is proven.

Given NAION’s profound impact, awards could be substantial, potentially mirroring multi-million-dollar verdicts in similar cases.

Challenges in Establishing Causation

Proving that Ozempic causes NAION faces several hurdles:

  • Confounding Risk Factors: Diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are independent NAION risk factors, and Novo Nordisk may argue these, not semaglutide, caused the condition. Expert testimony and robust studies are critical to counter this.
  • Study Limitations: Observational studies (e.g., Harvard, Danish) lack randomization, and small sample sizes for NAION cases limit statistical power. Randomized controlled trials are needed for definitive proof.
  • Labeling Defense: Novo Nordisk emphasizes that NAION is not listed on Ozempic’s label, and general vision warnings cover related risks.
  • Statute of Limitations: Most states require filing within 1–3 years of diagnosis or injury discovery, necessitating prompt action.

Practical Guidance for Ozempic Users

  • Monitor for Symptoms: Be vigilant for sudden vision loss, blurred vision, or visual field defects. Seek immediate ophthalmologic evaluation if symptoms arise.
  • Seek Urgent Care: NAION requires prompt diagnosis via fundoscopy, optical coherence tomography, or visual field testing. Early intervention may not reverse damage but can guide treatment.
  • Document Everything: Record Ozempic usage dates, dosages, and symptom onset. Retain medical records, prescriptions, and packaging.
  • Consult Your Doctor: Discuss NAION risks with your prescriber, considering alternative diabetes or weight loss treatments if appropriate.
  • Contact an Attorney: If diagnosed with NAION, consult firms like TorHoerman Law or Weitz & Luxenberg for a free case evaluation to explore legal options.
  • Avoid Public Disclosures: Refrain from discussing your case on social media or platforms like X, as defendants may use posts to undermine claims.
  • Stay Informed: Monitor FDA updates (www.fda.gov) and the EMA’s review for regulatory changes that may impact health and legal outcomes.

Public Sentiment and Future Outlook

Public discourse on X reflects heightened concern about Ozempic’s NAION risk. Posts from accounts like @DailyMail (July 2024) and @VigilantFox (January 2025) highlight the Harvard and Danish studies, calling NAION a “startling” side effect, while some users defend Ozempic’s benefits for diabetes and weight loss. These posts are anecdotal and not definitive evidence but underscore growing awareness.

The NAION litigation is in its early stages, with law firms anticipating thousands of claims as public awareness increases. The EMA’s ongoing review, expected to conclude in late 2025, may lead to updated labeling or restrictions, strengthening plaintiffs’ cases. If NAION claims are consolidated into MDL 3094 or a separate MDL, litigation could scale significantly, with bellwether trials in 2026 setting compensation precedents. Ongoing research, including potential randomized trials, will be crucial to confirming causation and shaping regulatory and legal outcomes.

Conclusion

Scientific evidence suggests a significant association between Ozempic (semaglutide) and an increased risk of NAION, a rare condition causing sudden, often permanent vision loss. Studies indicate a 2–7-fold higher risk in semaglutide users, particularly those with diabetes or obesity, though causation is not definitively proven. 

The absence of NAION warnings on Ozempic’s label has fueled lawsuits against Novo Nordisk, with cases like those of Elizabeth Pennell and Todd Engel highlighting the devastating impact of blindness. If you’ve experienced vision loss or a NAION diagnosis after using Ozempic, seek immediate medical care and contact a specialized attorney for a free case evaluation. 

If you’ve experienced vision loss or NAION after using Ozempic, seek immediate medical care and consult a specialized attorney for a free case evaluation. Firms Georgia Wrongful Death Attorney P.C. and Wetherington Law Firm can guide you toward justice and compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and suffering. Act swiftly to preserve evidence and stay updated on FDA and EMA developments to protect your health and legal options. Contact us today for free case evaluation. 

References

Disclaimer: Grok is not a lawyer; please consult one. Don’t share information that can identify you.

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